Even after a season filled with upsets, surprises, twists and turns, we're back where we started for 2008.

USC began last season as a near-unanimous pick for the top spot in the polls. One rival coach predicted the 2007 Trojans could be one of the best teams in the history of college football.

After that coach - Stanford's Jim Harbaugh - defeated USC in one of the biggest upsets in memory, the Trojans had work to do to make sure they'd be one of the best teams in the Pac-10 by the end of the season.

They succeeded at that.

Key players got healthy and USC rediscovered its swagger in November, reeling off five consecutive wins to end the season. All five wins were over bowl teams, including a 49-17 rout of Illinois in the Rose Bowl.

Though USC loses at least 10 key starters, the Trojans showed enough potential over the final month of '07 to think they'll have a bright future in '08. That is why the Trojans are Rivals.com's early pick – let's make that early, early pick – for No. 1 in 2008.

Though junior linebackers Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing say they will return for their senior seasons, USC still is waiting on a decision from guard Chilo Rachal on the NFL Draft.

Should all return, it could be another national championship season in Los Angeles. Under Pete Carroll, the Trojans rarely lack for replacements. Thanks to injuries, USC got a sneak peak at several contributors through the season. Six freshmen started during the season, including five on offense.

That number doesn't include perhaps the biggest difference-maker for 2008 – tailback Joe McKnight. Rivals.com's second-ranked player in the 2007 class, McKnight will enter his sophomore season off a spectacular performance in the Rose Bowl. He had 125 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards and 36 punt-return yards, averaging 10.8 yards per touch.

Defensive end Everson Griffen (5.5 sacks in 2007) also will step into a more prominent role.

Troublesome for USC will be the departure of Booty, whose injuries coincided with the Trojans' two losses. He broke his finger in a 24-23 loss to Stanford, and he was absent for the Trojans' 24-17 loss to Oregon. Once-heralded recruit Mark Sanchez, 2-1 as a starter, returns. However, former five-star recruit Mitch Mustain will be eligible following his transfer from Arkansas.

Also working in USC's favor is its schedule. The Trojans face Ohio State, another candidate for No. 1, in the second game of the season at home. The Trojans also will have their toughest conference games at home, facing Arizona State, Oregon and California at the Coliseum.

All signs point to another banner season for USC. Thanks to the events of 2007, though, don't expect quite so much hype surrounding the Trojans in '08.

Rivals.com 2008 Preseason Top 25: Jan. 8

1. USC (11-2)
Putting USC at the top is a safe pick because the Trojans annually win their conference, earn a BCS bid and play their best at the end of the season.

18. Oregon (9-4)
The Sun Bowl proved how dangerous this team can be if it gets consistency from its quarterback, but the Ducks must go on the road to face USC, California, Arizona State and Oregon State.